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ABCs of Safety – Toolbox Talks

Attitude, Behavior, and Control. A safe attitude means staying alert and focused on the job at hand. Safe behavior means taking safety guidelines and practices seriously. Control means taking responsibility and keeping your work area clean and orderly.

Safety is more than just following your company’s guidelines or what OSHA says while you work. Safety is actually a combination of a safe attitude, behavior, and control both on and off the job. Attitude means your frame of mind and the way in which you approach a given situation. Behavior means what you do about it and how you react to a situation. Control refers to making your surroundings, where and what you do, safe. Safe attitude, behavior, and control add up to a safer more productive you.

AttitudeWhen it comes to safety, attitude isn’t exactly everything, but it’s darn close. A safe attitude means staying alert and focused on the job a hand, taking safety guidelines and practices seriously, never horsing around on the job, and not letting emotions like anger and frustration get in the way of job performance.

BehaviorHow you react to a situation is an important part of being safe. Following established safety guidelines and procedures, refusing to take “shortcuts,” using personal protective equipment, asking questions when you need more information and the task at hand are all safe behaviors. Safe behavior also means helping friends, coworkers, and family members understand the importance of safe practices and work, home or play.

ControlControl means taking responsibility for making your work site, home, or recreational facility a safe place. You can help keep your surroundings safe from potential hazards by keeping them clean and orderly. Keep machines in good repair, clean up spills and debris (or report them to the appropriate person), and make sure that walkways are free from obstacles. Store chemicals properly (both at home and on the job) and never switch containers. At work, be sure to report faulty equipment ventilation, or any potential hazards to your supervisor.

ABC’S – EASY AS 1-2-3Attitude, behavior, and control are the three most important (and perhaps the simplest) aspects of personal safety both on and off the job. Take a moment to review your safety ABC’s to see if you’re doing all you can to protect yourself, your coworkers, and your loves ones from careless, needless, injury.